Tug boat named in honour of former Commander in 'touching tribute'

Commander Best, who was a director of Portland Port UK, commanded the nuclear-powered submarine HMS Courageous during the Falklands conflict in 1982.

He retired from the Royal Navy during the 1990s and would be 'instrumental' in persuading Langham Industries to privately take over Portland Port from the Ministry of Defence in 1996 - and the subsequent formation of the Portland Harbour Authority.

Tributes flooded in for Mr Best following his death at the age of 76 in February this year – and now the port is remembering him by naming its latest tug after him.

The multi-million-pound tug entered service earlier this year shortly after the passing of Commander Best.

Portland Port's newest tug has been officially named after former port director and decorated Royal Naval commander Rupert Best Picture: Ted Toop

However, Covid restrictions forced any naming ceremony to be postponed until it was safe to hold. The new asset joins Portland Port’s existing tugs, the Maiden Castle and Rufus Castle, all playing pivotal roles in enhancing the port’s towage capability.

It was announced earlier this year that the new tug would be arriving at Portland Port following its construction in 2019. The tug was built in Turkey to a Robert Allen design, and the Sanmar Sirapinar class ‘RAmparts 2200’ azimuth stern drive tug will improve and help support the port’s ability to welcome larger vessels.

Guests who attended the naming ceremony included family members, friends, former colleagues who worked with Rupert in the Royal Navy, along with colleagues at Portland Port and local dignitaries.

In a traditional ceremonial launching, the vessel’s plaque was unveiled before the tug was named by smashing a bottle of Rupert’s favourite cider, Lancombe Rising, on the side bow.

Harbour Master, Captain Mike Shipley said: “The naming of ships is always an exciting and memorable event, however the naming ceremony of the ‘Rupert Best’ was also a touching tribute that we were delighted to be able to share with Rupert’s family and friends.”

At the time of his death, colleagues had said it was a ‘privilege’ to know Mr Best – who lived in the Melplash area of West Dorset – and prior to commanding HMS Courageous, was the skipper of the diesel submarine HMS Ocelot.

Earlier in his career Mr Best came under fire as a midshipman during the Raid on Limbang, Borneo in 1962, which saw him take part in the rescue of hostages from terrorists.

Mr Best ran the renowned Melplash Cider Farm near Bridport, which he took the reins of due to the death of his father - himself a distinguished Naval officer who became Flag Officer, Gibraltar. He was also the president of Bridport Sea Cadets, and was described as 'ever tireless in innovation and initiative for continued development of Portland Port', and was both respected and revered by generations of the Royal Navy.